Apparatus, method and product for treating teeth

ABSTRACT

A brushing system including a multiple cartridge dispensing system which dispenses the treatment material either directly onto brush bristles, or through the brush to the bristles. A multiplicity of materials may be provided to the cartridges for use in brushing. In addition to use in dental care, the system finds utility in hair coloring, spot laundry cleaning, skin and nail care, and polishing, as well as numerous others.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application No.09/721,431, filed Nov. 22, 2000, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to apparatus, methods and productsfor dispensing a material. In another aspect, the present inventionrelates to apparatus, methods and products for providing a material to asurface. In even another aspect, the present invention relates to dentaltreatment devices, methods of treating teeth and oral tissue duringbrushing, and to products containing dental treatment materials. Instill another aspect, the present invention relates to toothbrushes,methods of treating teeth and oral tissue during brushing, and tocartridges containing dental treatment materials. In yet another aspect,the present invention relates to toothbrushes for dispensing dentaltreatment materials, to methods of treating teeth by dispensing atreatment material from a toothbrush during brushing, and to cartridgescontaining dental treatment materials for use with dispensingtoothbrushes. In even still another aspect, the present inventionrelates to apparatus, methods and products useful in nail, hair and/orskin care, jewelry making or cleaning, grout cleaning, auto detailing,painting, furniture painting/staining/refinishing, spot burnishing, spotlaundry cleaning, and ceramics painting/finishing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] Periodontal disease is primarily caused by complex aggregates ofmicroorganisms, primarily bacteria, in the crevice regions between theteeth and the teeth and the gums. These aggregates are commonly referredto as dental plaque.

[0004] Outside of the dentist's office, brushing with conventionaltoothbrushes and flossing are currently the standard methods ofremoving, disrupting and dispersing dental plaque.

[0005] The oldest and most common type of toothbrush is the traditionalmanual toothbrush, having bristles upon which is applied, a dentifrice,such as a paste, gel or powder, to assist in tooth brushing. Thetoothbrush bristles are then manually manipulated against teeth and gumsin an effort to remove, disrupt and disperse dental plaque.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,932, issued Jan. 11, 1994, to Byrd, disclosesimprovements to the traditional manual bristle toothbrush. The brushincludes a slidable thumb actuated mechanism in the handle mechanicallylinked to rotary bristles in the head of the toothbrush. Longitudinalreciprocative motion of the thumb mechanism causes rotation of therotary bristles.

[0007] In addition to manual toothbrushes, there are poweredtoothbrushes, which provide, some sort of manipulating motion to thebristles, for example rectilinear or rotational motion, to assist inbrushing. Examples of powered toothbrushes include, U.S. Pat. Nos.3,927,435; 5,226,206; 5,289,604; 5,353,460; 5,383,242; 5,476,384;5,504,959; 5,309,590; and 5,943,723.

[0008] Whether using a manual or powered toothbrush, the problem withplacing a dentifrice on the bristles, is the lack of accurate andrepeatable amount of dentifrice. For example, the concentration ofdentifrice on the bristles is at a maximum just after application of adentifrice to the bristles, but prior to brushing. Commencement ofbrushing quickly results in a decrease of the concentration ofdentifrice on the bristles, and a resulting reduction in the advantageprovided by the dentifrice.

[0009] While it is possible to occasionally stop brushing, and reapplythe dentifrice to the bristles, a more practical approach would be toprovide the toothbrush with a reservoir from which the dentifrice isdispensed during brushing, either intermittently or continuously.

[0010] Such an idea is not new. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 730,040,issued Jun. 2, 1903 to McKinley et al., discloses a toothbrush having areceptacle for feeding a liquid dentifrice into the bristles of thebrush; U.S. Pat. No. 3,217,720, issued Nov. 16, 1965 to Cyzer, disclosesa toothbrush with a liquid dentifrice container; and U.S. Pat.5,909,977, issued Jun. 8, 1999 to Kuo, discloses a dentifrice dispensingtoothbrush utilizing a refillable cartridge for storing dentifricematerial and a compressible elastic button for pumping dentifricematerial to the brush head. Further development of this idea includesthe use of hollow bristles through which the dentifrice flows asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,590, issued May 10, 1994 to Giuliani etal.

[0011] Recent developments in the fight against periodontal diseaseincludes medications for inhibiting or killing bacteria responsible forperiodontal disease, and the use of such medications has been promotedto the public for such a purpose. Such medications may be used intoothpaste, mouthwash, or solutions applied to the areas of interest.However, such medications are typically expensive when used on a dailybasis, have been found to stain teeth in some cases with prolonged use,and in other cases, such as when they are in a mouthwash, are onlymarginally effective. Applying medication with brushing is convenientfor the user and results in the treated area simultaneously undergoingcleaning and the application of medication. However, medication istypically not carefully applied in controlled amounts during brushing.There currently is no convenient way of assuring the application of onlytherapeutic amounts which require precision dosing and/or precisionratio control, so as to not cause tooth or oral tissue damage and/orprevent waste of the medication, while still being fully effective.

[0012] However, in spite of the above advancements, there still exists aneed in the art for apparatus, methods and products for treating teeth.

[0013] There is another need in the art for apparatus, methods andproducts for treating teeth, which do not suffer from the disadvantagesof the prior art apparatus, methods and products.

[0014] These and other needs in the art will become apparent to those ofskill in the art upon review of this specification, including itsdrawings and claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide forapparatus, methods and products for treating teeth and/or oral tissue.

[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide forapparatus, methods and products for treating teeth, which do not sufferfrom the disadvantages of the prior art apparatus, methods and products.

[0017] These and other objects of the present invention will becomeapparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this specification,including its drawings and claims.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a brushing system, which includes at least two materialreservoirs, and further includes a tooth brush having bristles, whereinthe bristles are in liquid communication with the two materialreservoirs.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thereis provided a brushing system including at least one material reservoir,wherein the material reservoir comprises at least two materials, andwherein the materials are positioned to sequentially empty from thereservoir. The brushing system further includes a tooth brush havingbristles, where the bristles are in liquid communication with the atleast one material reservoir.

[0020] According to even another embodiment of the present invention,there is provided a method of brushing teeth with a brushing system,wherein the brushing system comprises at least two material reservoirshaving dental treatment materials positioned within the reservoir, and atooth brush having bristles, wherein the bristles are in liquidcommunication with at least two material reservoirs, the method firstincludes dispensing dental treatment materials from the reservoirs tothe bristles. The method then includes contacting the bristles to teeth.

[0021] According to still another embodiment of the present invention,there is provided a method of brushing teeth with a brushing system,wherein the brushing system comprises a material reservoir having firstand second dental treatment materials positioned within the reservoir,and a tooth brush having bristles, wherein the bristles are in liquidcommunication with the reservoir, the method first includes dispensingfirst dental treatment materials from the reservoir to the bristles. Themethod also includes applying the bristles to teeth. The method evenalso includes dispensing second dental treatment materials from thereservoir to the bristles. The method then includes applying thebristles to teeth.

[0022] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention,there is provided a reservoir system for use with a brush system,wherein the brush system comprises a tooth brush having bristles, andwherein the tooth brush defines a liquid communication passage throughthe tooth brush to the bristles, the reservoir system includes a bodydefining a reservoir having a dispensing passage for engaging the liquidcommunication passage.

[0023] These and other embodiments of the present invention will becomeapparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this specification,including its drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of brushing apparatus 100 of thepresent invention, including tooth brush 110, holder 120, cartridgeassembly 130, and dispensing actuator 140.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a view of an electric motor powered brushing apparatus200 of the present invention, including tooth brush 110, and dispensingsystem cartridge holder 120, electric drive motor 250.

[0026]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of brushing system 300, including drive250, holder 120, and dispensing actuator 140.

[0027]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of brushing system 400, includingholder 120, and dispensing actuator 140.

[0028]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of rigid cartridge brushing system 500,including tooth brush 110, cartridge assembly 130, holder 120, electricdrive motor 250, and having tubes 131 that are rigid.

[0029]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of flexible sachet brushing system 600,including tooth brush 110, cartridge assembly 130, housing 120, electricmotor drive motor 250, and having cartridges 129 that are flexible.

[0030]FIG. 7 is a view of cartridge 131 of FIG. 1, in which power isprovided to bottom of screw 132 to drive piston 134 and seal 136 that inturn pushes material through cartridge housing 133 out opening 138.

[0031]FIG. 8 is a side view of a two chamber cartridge and a conceptwhich can be used to dispense 2 or more products from a 2 or morechambered cartridge.

[0032]FIGS. 9 and 10 show side and screw cross section view,respectively, of another two chamber cartridge and a concept which canbe used to dispense 2 or more products from a 2 or more chamberedcartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The dispensing system of the present invention includes acartridge assembly of one or more cartridges for storing dentaltreatment materials, which cartridges may be manually or motor driven todispense the dental treatment materials, either directly onto theapplicator of a tooth brush, or through passages in the tooth brush ontoor through an applicator. The applicator may be any suitable device forapplying dental treatment materials to teeth or to another device,including bristles, hollow dispensing tube (for application of thedental treatment materials directly to the teeth/gums or to anotherdevice such as a toothbrush), sponge, and/or nubs (a knobbed, roughened,or multicontoured surface for contacting teeth and/or gums). Thedispensing system generally also includes a cartridge holder, and adispensing actuator, as in a knob, button, or similar means.

[0034] Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded view of amanually powered brushing apparatus 100 of the present invention,including tooth brush 110, and dispensing system cartridge holder 120,cartridge assembly 130, and a dispensing actuator 140.

[0035] Cartridge assembly 130 includes a number of reservoirs shown ascartridges 131. One advantage of a multiple cartridge dispensing systemof the present invention, is that materials that would be incompatiblefor storage together, may be stored in separate cartridges and thendispensed together for use at the point of use. Because the materialsare mixed at the brush head as needed, there is better control over theamount of product mixed, resulting in minimal or no wasted mixed productto discharge or waste after use.

[0036] Tooth brush 110 includes bristles 111, brush head 113, duckbills117, neck 115, body 116, and connector 118.

[0037] Any suitable reservoir or cartridge may be utilized in thepresent invention. It should be understood that the reservoir orcartridge utilized may be fully or partially internal to the dispensingsystem, or fully or partially external to the system, and may or may notbe removable from the system. Additionally, the reservoir or cartridgeutilized may be permanent to the system, or may be disposable, includinga single use disposable reservoir. Non-limiting examples of suitablereservoirs include positive displacement type reservoirs which aregenerally rigid-walled such as a cartridge, and also includepump-evacuated type reservoirs which are generally soft-walled such assachets, bladders, and blisters.

[0038] As a non-limiting example, reference is made to FIG. 7, showingcartridge 131 of FIG. 1, with a piston 134 and seal 136 that pushesmaterial through the cartridge housing 133. Power provided to gear 137rotates screw 132 to drive piston 134. An optional cap, may be providedto seal cartridge 131 when not in use. Of course, for reservoirs havingthe screw type mechanism as shown in FIG. 7, it should be understoodthat the taper or pitch of the screws for each of the reservoirs, may bethe same or different, to effect various ratios of material delivery.

[0039] Manual rotation of dispensing actuator 140 causes rotation ofcartridge gear 137.

[0040] In the practice of the present invention, the cartridges may beadapted for dispensing equal or different amounts of material. Forexample, for a required mixture of materials A, B, and C, in a ratio of1:1:1, the cartridges for materials A, B, and C will be adapted todispense at a ratio of 1:1:1. As another example, for a required mixtureof materials A, B, and C, in a ratio of 1:3:1, the cartridges formaterials A, B, and C will be adapted to dispense at a ratio of 1:3:1.

[0041] The dispensing amount of any particular cartridge may be adjustedby any suitable means, non-limiting examples of which include varyingthe motor speed to the dispensing mechanism, and include changing themechanical advantage of the dispensing mechanism (for example bysubstituting screws having various screw pitch or by utilizing differentratio gears for driving the screw). For other variations of cartridgedesigns, rate and amount of product can be controlled by means such asorifices, speed/timing relationships, pumps, etc.

[0042] The dispensing system of the present invention may be utilizedfor the delivery of very precise, controlled or efficacious amounts oftreatment materials. This is very important when close tolerances arerequired in the ratios between the various treatment materials that makeup a total treatment regimen. These required amounts may be deliveredutilizing the screw and gear delivery system as described above, inwhich a known rotation of the screw will deliver a precise, controlledand repeatable amount of material.

[0043] One or more of the cartridges of the present invention may alsobe loaded with dental treatment material in a sequential fashion. Forexample, one particular cartridge may be loaded with materials A, B, Cand then D, so that the cartridge will sequentially dispense material A,then material B, then material C and then material D. As a nonlimitingexample, a cartridge may be loaded to sequentially dispense a toothcleaner, then a tooth polisher, then a fluoride agent, and finally atooth sealant. Any suitable desired sequential loading of material maybe utilized.

[0044] Sequential dispensing of materials may also be accomplished bysequentially dispensing from different cartridges or combinations ofcartridges. As a non-limiting example only, for a system with cartridgesA, B, C and D containing respectively, a rinse (A), a first component oftooth cleaner (B), a second component of tooth cleaner (C), and afluoride agent (D), the desired dispensing may be from cartridge A(rinse), then simultaneously from cartridges B and C (first and secondcomponents of tooth cleaner), then from cartridge A again (rinse), andthen from cartridge D (fluoride agent).

[0045] It should also be understood, that a number of repeatablesequences can also be dispensed from either one cartridge or acombination of cartridges. For example, N number of treatment regimenscould be positioned in the material reservoir, with each regimencomprising material A and a material B. N is generally an integer of atleast 1, preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 7, even morepreferably at least 31, still more preferably at least 90, and yet morepreferably at least 365. This series of N regimens is positioned toallow emptying of substantially all of the material A of the Nth regimenprior to application of the material B of the Nth regimen, andpositioned to allow emptying of substantially all of the material B ofthe Nth regimen prior to application of the material of the next or(N+1)th regimen. Of course, the Nth (or last) regimen will empty afterall of the N−1 (or second to last) regimen has substantially emptied.More specifically, the last material of the Nth (or last, or in the caseof N=1, the only) regimen, will empty after all of the second to lastmaterial of the Nth (or last, or in the case of N=1, the only) regimen.

[0046] It should be understood that while the regimen above isillustrated as having materials A and B, and suitable number ofmaterials may be utilized. As another non-limiting example, The systemof claim 14 wherein each regimen further comprises three materials A, B,and C, positioned to allow emptying of substantially all of the firstmaterial A of the Nth regimen prior to application of the secondmaterial B and third material C of the Nth regimen, and to allowemptying of substantially all of the second material B of the Nthregimen prior to application of the third material C of the Nth regimen,and positioned to allow emptying of substantially all of the thirdmaterial C of the Nth regimen prior to application of the first materialA of the (N+1)th regimen.

[0047] As used herein, “substantially emptying” shall mean that at leastabout 25 weight percent, preferably at least about 50 weight percent,more preferably at least about 75 weight percent, even more preferablyat least about 95 weight percent, still more preferably at least about98 weight percent, and yet more preferably at least about 99 weightpercent, of the one material will empty before the other startsemptying.

[0048] To accomplish dispensing from different cartridges orcombinations of cartridges, a regulator or switch system able to allowselection of a cartridge or combination of cartridges may be utilized.For example, a rotational or other positioning system my be utilized toorient one or more of the desired cartridges to be in fluidcommunication with the dispenser, with the remaining cartridges out offluid communication. As an alternate example, a system which positionsthe dispenser to be in fluid communication with one or more cartridgesas desired may also be utilized. As another alternate example, a systemwhich positions both the dispenser and the desired cartridges may alsobe utilized. Another suitable system includes one which utilizes aconduit, such as a tube or hose, between each of the reservoirs and thedispenser, with conduits selectively opened or closed by switches todeliver material as desired.

[0049] Whether dispensed from one cartridge or a combination of two ormore cartridges, any suitable combination of sequential treatmentregimen may be created from the list of dental treatment materials asprovided below.

[0050] Another non-limiting example of a sequential treatment regimenincludes high strength whitening followed by whitening maintenancetreatment.

[0051] Even another non-limiting example of a sequential treatmentregimen includes stanous fluoride followed by a stain removingtreatment.

[0052] Still another non-limiting example of a sequential treatmentregimen includes whitening agent and sealer to prevent staining.

[0053] Yet another non-limiting example of a sequential treatmentregimen includes aggressive medication followed by a neutralizing agent.

[0054] Even still another non-limiting example of a sequential treatmentregimen includes tooth cleaner followed by breath freshener/treatment.

[0055] Even yet another non-limiting example of a sequential treatmentregimen includes tooth cleaner, tooth polisher, then sealant.

[0056] For consumer ease of use, it is envisioned that some brushingsystems may be predisposed to dispense in a certain order. For example,for the sequential example just provided above, the brushing systemwould be available to dispense automatically from cartridge A, then fromcartridges B and C, then from cartridge A, and finally from cartridge D.

[0057] With the advent of cheaper and smaller microprocessors, thebrushing system could even contain a preprogrammed or programmablemicroprocessor to control the dispensing of material. The microprocessorwould be connected to the mechanism which control cartridge selectionand product dispensing. This control can include the selection of thedesired cartridges or combinations of cartridges, the order ofdispensing, as well as the amount dispensed from each cartridge.

[0058] Of course, to enhance dental care this microprocessor systemcould be programmed to provide alarms or messages to a small displayscreen to remind the user to dispense certain materials at certaintimes. For example, for two dental treatments one to be dispensed fromcartridge A every 4 hours, the other to be dispensed from cartridge Bevery six hours, the brushing system could be programmed to so dispense,with reminders/alarms to the user to use the brush at the appropriatetimes.

[0059] It is even envisioned that a given pre-loaded multiple cartridgesystem may further include its own executable instructions on a medium(for example a small chip, disk, microprocessor, or Radio Frequency IDtag to activate proprietary program functions) that is loaded into thebrushing system to dispense material from the cartridge system asdesired.

[0060] Cartridge assembly 130 fits inside cartridge holder 120, with oneor more of the cartridges 131 in liquid communication with stems 37. Ofcourse, dispensing actuator 140 must be sufficiently accessible to allrotation of dispenser actuator 140.

[0061] In the practice of the present invention, it is envisioned thatpre-loaded cartridges 131 may be available as single use disposablecartridges, multiple use disposable cartridges, or refillablecartridges, and that empty cartridges may be available for loading withsuitable materials by the end user.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an exploded view of rigidcartridge brushing system 500, including tooth brush 110, cartridgeassembly 130, holder 120, electric drive motor 250, and havingcartridges 131 that are rigid. End cap 258 is positioned on the end ofdrive housing 250 and provides for convenient access to the inside ofdrive housing 250. Attached to drive housing 250, gear housing 53 isheld in place by a number of retaining screws 122 which pass throughinterlock ring 59 and screw into housing 120. A number of gears 137 arepositioned on top of gear housing 53 and held positioned by a number ofsprings 55 and screws 51. Dispensing actuator 140 fits around andengages gears 137. Positioned within holder 120 are one or morecartridge tubes 131, having end cap 135, piston 134 and a screw 132. Key39 and fitment 38 serve to align cartridge tubes 131. Stems 37 are inliquid communication with cartridge tubes 131, and extend throughmanifold 33, and connect to and are in liquid communication withflexible delivery tubes 31 connected to and in liquid communication withconnector 118 and duckbills 117. Tooth brush 110 passes throughtransition 22 and connects to drive shaft 56. Toothbrush 110 consists ofduckbill 117, brush head 113, bristles 11, neck 115, body 116, andconnector 118. As used herein, a “duckbill” is generally described as aresiliant flow regulator or check valve that includes a pair of lipsarranged in a converging relationship to define an open end and anormally closed end. At the normally closed end the lips are disposedadjacent to each other to define a normally closed slit and define innerand outer surfaces for the lips. As fluid passes through the lipsincreased pressure will cause a larger opening, increasing the flowrate. With no pressure acting on the lips, closure prevents any materialfrom entering opposite the desired material flow direction. Drive shaft56 is connected to coupling 54, which is in turn connected to coupling52 by drive shaft 121.

[0063]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of flexible sachet brushing system 600,including tooth brush 110, cartridge assembly 130, housing 120, electricmotor drive motor 250, and having sachet 129 that are flexible. Insideholder 120 are positioned one or more sachets 129. The deliverymechanism includes stems 23 in liquid communication with sachets 129 andflexible tubes 31, o-rings 25, manifold 27, steel balls 29, springs 28.Anvil 45, pump actuator 42, button 43, and retainer disk 41 make up theremainder of the fluid delivery system. Included in the connectionbetween housing 120 and tooth brush 110 are cap 61, steel balls 62 andsprings 63. Tooth brush 110 passes through transition 22 and connects todrive shaft 56 and includes duckbills 117, bristles 111, brush head 113,neck 115, body 116, and connector 118.

[0064] In the practice of the present invention, dental treatmentmaterials may be selected from the group consisting of anti-bacterialagents, bleaching agents, breath conditioning agents, buffers, carriers,cleaners, coatings, colorants or dyes (to impart color to the material),coloring or dying agents (for coloring or dying the tooth),conditioners, emulsifiers, foaming agents, fillers, flavors, flowagents, fluorides, gelling agents, inert agents, medicines, oxidizingagents, polish, preservatives, sealants, scrubbing agents, stainremovers, surfactants, tartar control agents, thickening agents,viscosity agents, washes, whiteners, and the like. These dentaltreatment materials may be in emulsion, gel, granule, liquid, paste,powder, or slurry form.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, it is to beunderstood that certain dental treatment materials or combination ofdental treatment materials perform better in concentrated form, withoutthe addition of solvents, diluents, thickening agents, viscosity agents,buffers, carriers, emulsifiers, surfactants, and the like. Thus, forthose embodiments, it is preferred that those dental treatment materialsor combination of materials be provided without the presence of suchsolvents, diluents, thickening agents, viscosity agents, buffers,carriers, emulsifiers, surfactants, and the like since the treatmentmaterials are delivered from within the bristles.

[0066] Non-limiting examples of suitable fluoride treatments includestannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, and sodium monofluorophosphate.Current dental treatment materials contain solvents, dilutants,thickening agents, and the like to provide support for the treatmentmaterial while dispensed on top of toothbrush bristles. The preferredfluoride treatment is sodium fluoride.

[0067] The concentration of the various dental treatment materials willbe chosen according to health and treatment standards as are known inthe dental treatment art.

[0068] The dental treatment materials of the present invention will havea viscosity suitable for use in tooth treatment applications andmethods.

[0069] As used herein, the “viscosity” shall refer to “dynamicviscosity” and is defined as the ratio of the shearing stress to therate of deformation.

[0070] When measured at a shear rate of 1 seconds⁻¹, the viscosity willhave a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025poise, preferably about 0.1 poise, and more preferably about 75 poise,with the upper end of the range being selected independently of thelower end of the range and generally about 10,000 poise, preferablyabout 5,000 poise, and more preferably about 1,000 poise. Non-limitingexamples of suitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 1seconds⁻¹ includes, about 0.0025 poise to about 10,000 poise, about 0.1poise to about 5,000 poise, about 75 poise to about 1000 poise, andabout 0.1 poise to about 10,000 poise.

[0071] When measured at a shear rate of 100 seconds⁻¹, the viscositywill have a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025poise, preferably about 0.05 poise, and more preferably about 7.5 poise,with the upper end of the range being selected independently of thelower end of the range and generally about 1,000 poise, preferably about100 poise, and more preferably about 75 poise. Non-limiting examples ofsuitable viscosity ranges when measured at a shear rate of 100 seconds³¹¹ includes, about 0.0025 poise to about 1,000 poise, about 0.05 poise toabout 100 poise, about 7.5 poise to about 75 poise, and about 0.05 poiseto about 1,000 poise.

[0072] When measured at a shear rate of 10,000 seconds, the viscositywill have a range with the lower end of the range generally about 0.0025poise, preferably about 0.05 poise, and more preferably about 5 poise,with the upper end of the range being selected independently of thelower end of the range and generally about 500 poise, preferably about50 poise. Non-limiting examples of suitable viscosity ranges whenmeasured at a shear rate of 10,000 seconds⁻¹ includes, about 0.0025poise to about 500 poise, about 0.05 poise to about 50 poise, about 5poise to about 50 poise, and about 0.05 poise to about 500 poise.

[0073] Continuing with FIG. 6 toothbrush 110 includes body 116, neck115, bristle head 113, duckbills 117, bristles 111, and engagingconnector 118. While not shown, toothbrush 110 includes one or morepassages extending from engaging connector 118 to duckbills 117. Inassembly, flexible delivery tubes 31 and 121 and cap 61 engage toprovide liquid communication between sachets 129 and bristles 111.

[0074] In operation of embodiment 100, cartridge assembly 130 ofcartridges 131 with suitable dental treatment materials are positionedin holder 120, with tooth brush 110 affixed to drive shaft 56.Dispensing actuator 140 engages cartridge gear 137. Rotation ofdispensing actuator 140 provides rotational energy to dispense dentaltreatment material through brush 110 and duckbills 117 then to bristles111.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is provided an electric motorpowered brushing apparatus 200,of the present invention, including toothbrush 110, and dispensing system cartridge holder 120, electric drivemotor 250. Cartridge assembly 130 resides in holder 120. Operation ofbrushing apparatus 200 is similar to that of brushing apparatus 100except that an electric motor drive 250 has replaced the manual methodof brushing.

[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown brushing systems300 and 400, respectively, with brushing system 300 including drive 250,holder 120, and dispensing actuator 140, and brushing system 400includes holder 120, and dispensing actuator 140. Both of these brushingsystems 300 and 400 include dispensing cap 50 having a dispensing tip 55in liquid communication with cartridges 131 residing in holder 120 fordispensing the dental treatment material directly onto the tooth brushbristles. For both of these embodiments 300 and 400, cartridge assembly130 resides in holder 120. In operation, these embodiments are poweredsufficiently to cause dental treatment materials to dispense fromdispensing tip 55 for application to tooth brush bristles.

[0077] While embodiments of the figures are configured to providesimultaneous dispensing of materials from all of the cartridges, itshould be understood that the brushing systems of the present inventionmay include regulators to allow for sequential dispensing of materialfrom different cartridges or combinations of cartridges.

[0078] The tooth brushing system of the present invention finds utilitymainly for use in the care of human teeth, although utility may also befound in animal husbandry, pet care, and veterinary applications.

[0079] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown two chamber cartridge300A, a concept which can be used to dispense 2 or more products from a2 or more chambered cartridge. The multiple products can be dispensesimultaneously or individually. As shown, within housing 301 are 2chambers, upper fluid chamber 320, and lower fluid chamber 321, but onecan easily see that more than 2 can be utilized. Each chamber has aseparate piston, upper piston 305 and lower piston 306, which arethreaded respectively through upper drive screw 302 and lower drivescrew 303. Upper piston 305 in top chamber 320 is threaded through screw302 of a smaller diameter than piston 306 in the bottom chamber. Screw302 for top chamber piston 305 is positioned inside of screw 303 forbottom chamber piston 306. Each chamber 320 and 321 is respectively influid communication with separate exit channels 311 and 310. Rotation ofupper piston screw 302 and lower piston screw 303, with respectively,drive gear 308 and drive gear 307, causes the products contained in therespective chambers 320 or 321, to be forced out through the respectiveexit channels 311 or 310. Rotation of the two screws 302 and 303 can beaccomplished simultaneously, to get both products at the same time, orindividually to get one product at a time. One can also envision anynumber of different drive mechanisms and gearing configurations whichcould allow product to be dispensed in different sequences and ratioswhich could be selected by the person using the device.

[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, there respectively shown sideview and screen cross section view of two chamber cartridge 300B, whichcan be used to dispense 2 or more products from a 2 or more chamberedcartridge. The multiple products can be dispense simultaneously orindividually from upper fluid chamber 320 through fluid discharge 311,and/or from lower fluid chamber 321 through fluid discharge 310. Asshown, housing 301 has 2 chambers, but one can easily see that more than2 can be utilized. In operation, rotation of central screw 304 isaccomplished by rotation of knob, gear, or other means 309 attached toscrew 304 at the bottom of housing 301 as shown, or in some otherlocation/position so as to drive rotation of the screw. Central drivescrew 304 has two flow channels 310 and 311 through the center of it.Flow channel 311 is in fluid communication with the top chamber 320 andthe other channel 310 is in fluid communication with bottom chamber 321.Rotation of screw 304 will drive upper piston 305 and lower piston 306upward, forcing the product through into fluid inlet channels 315 and314, respectively, and subsequently out through channels 311 and 310,respectively. Upper chamber valve 312 and lower chamber valve 313 can beused to shut off flow through channels 311 and 310, respectively. Alsoshown is piston to screw overrunning interface 330. The piston in thechamber which is in fluid communication with the valve which is shut offis designed to slide down the threads of the screw when internalpressure in the chamber reaches a higher level than normal due too theflow passage being shut off. In this way, one can shut off one channelor the other to get only one product at a time if desired. Furthermorethe hollow screw could be part of the brush head and stem, or adispensing nozzle, and therefore to dispense product up through a brushhead or dispensing head, a person could just rotate the cartridge bodyor housing while holding the brush head or dispensing head stationary,or visa versa.

[0081] While the dispensing system of the present invention has beenillustrated mainly by reference to in dental care, it should beunderstood that the dispensing system finds utility in a wide variety ofarts. The dispensing system my be used alone to dispense a wide varietyof materials, or may be used in combination with a wide variety of toolsor instruments. As a non-limiting example, the dispensing system may beutilized in nail, hair and/or skin care (for humans or animals) todispense, either directly or through a brush or other applicator,conditioners, coloring, creams, cleanser, emollients, lotions,medicines, polish, softeners, and/or any other nail, hair or skintreatment material. As other non-limiting examples, the dispensingsystem may be utilized in jewelry making or cleaning, grout cleaning,auto detailing, painting, furniture painting/staining/refinishing, spotburnishing, spot laundry cleaning, and ceramics painting/finishing. Aseven another non-limiting example, the dispenser system of the presentinvention finds utility in hair coloring with a wide variety of manual,powered, sonic, or ultrasonic applicator heads.

[0082] While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have beendescribed with particularity, it will be understood that various othermodifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claimsappended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions set forthherein but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all thefeatures of patentable novelty which reside in the present invention,including all features which would be treated as equivalents thereof bythose skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0083] All patents and articles cited herein, are hereby incorporated byreference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tooth brushing system comprising: (a) a body;(b) a first material reservoir for supplying a first material; (c) asecond material reservoir for supplying a second material; and (d) anapplicator supported by the body, wherein the first and second materialreservoirs are in liquid communication with applicator, and wherein thefirst and second reservoirs are supported by the body.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: (e) a regulator positionable in a firstposition to engage the applicator in liquid communication with the firstreservoir, and in a second position to engage the applicator in liquidcommunication with the second reservoir.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or secondreservoirs are removably contained within said body.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein at least one of the first or second reservoirscomprises a positive displacement.
 5. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: (e) a first dental treatment material positioned in thefirst reservoir; and (f) a second dental treatment material positionedin the second reservoir; wherein the first dental treatment material isdifferent from the second dental treatment material, and wherein thefirst and second dental treatment materials each comprise at least oneselected from the group consisting of anti-bacterial agents, bleachingagents, breath conditioning agents, buffers, carriers, cleaners,coatings, tooth colorants or dyes, coloring or dying agents,conditioners, emulsifiers, foaming agents, fillers, flavors, flowagents, fluorides, gelling agents, inert agents, medicines, oxidizingagents, polish, preservatives, sealants, scrubbing agents, stainremovers, tartar control agents, viscosity agents, washes, andwhiteners.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said first material isprovided without an additional thickening agent.
 7. The system of claim6, wherein the viscosity of the first materials, when measured at ashear rate of about 1 seconds⁻¹ is in the range of about 0.1 poise toabout 5,000 poise.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein said secondmaterial is provided without an additional thickening agent.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the viscosity of the first and secondmaterials, when measured at a shear rate of about 100 seconds⁻¹, is inthe range of about 0.05 poise to about 100 poise.
 10. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the first material comprises fluoride, and the secondmaterial comprises at least one selected from gingivitis treatments,whitening agents, breath treatments, and combinations thereof.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: (e) a third material reservoirfor supplying a third material, wherein the third reservoir is in liquidcommunication with applicator, and wherein the third reservoir issupported by the body; and (f) a third material positioned in the thirdreservoir, wherein the third material comprises at least one selectedfrom the group consisting of whitening agents, advanced cleaning agents,baking soda, peroxide, tartar control, and combinations thereof.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, further comprising: (g) a fourth material reservoirfor supplying a fourth material, wherein the third reservoir is inliquid communication with applicator, and wherein the third reservoir issupported by the body; and (g) a fourth material positioned in thefourth reservoir, wherein the fourth material comprises at least oneselected from the group consisting of whitening agents, advancedcleaning agents, baking soda, peroxide, tartar control, and combinationsthereof.
 13. A brushing system comprising: (a) a body; (b) a materialreservoir supported by the body, wherein the material reservoircomprises treatment regimen of at least two materials, and wherein thematerials are positioned to sequentially dispense from the reservoir;and (c) an applicator supported by the body, and in liquid communicationwith the material reservoir.
 14. The system of claim 13, furthercomprising: (d) N number of treatment regimens positioned in thematerial reservoir, wherein each regimen comprises a first material anda second material, wherein each regimen is positioned to allowdispensing of substantially all of the first material of the Nth regimenprior to application of the second material of the Nth regimen, andpositioned to allow dispensing of substantially all of the secondmaterial of the (N−1)th regimen prior to application of the firstmaterial of the Nth regimen, and wherein N is an integer of at least 1.15. The system of claim 14 wherein each regimen further comprises athird material, wherein each regimen is positioned to allow dispensingof substantially all of the first material of the (N−1)th regimen priorto application of the second and third materials of the Nth regimen, andto allow dispensing of substantially all of the second material of the(N−1)th regimen prior to application of the third material of the(N−1)th regimen, and positioned to allow dispensing of substantially allof the third material of the Nth regimen prior to application of thefirst material of the Nth regimen, and wherein N is an integer of atleast
 1. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein N is
 1. 17. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the first material comprises a whitening agent, andthe second material comprises a polisher.
 18. A method of brushing teethwith a brushing system, wherein the brushing system comprises a body,first and second material reservoirs supported by the body, and anapplicator supported by the body, wherein the applicator is in liquidcommunication with the first and second material reservoirs, and whereinthe first material reservoir contains a first dental treatment material,and wherein the second material reservoir contains a second dentaltreatment material, the method comprising the steps of: (a) dispensingfirst dental treatment material from the first reservoir to theapplicator; (b) contacting the first dental treatment material to teeth;(c) dispensing second dental treatment material from the secondreservoir to the applicator; and (d) contacting the second dentaltreatment material to the teeth.
 19. The method of claim 18 furthercomprising: prior to step (a), inserting said first and secondreservoirs into said body.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein thebrushing system further comprises a switch positionable in a firstposition to engage the applicator in liquid communication with the firstreservoir, and in a second position to engage the applicator in liquidcommunication with the second reservoir, the method further comprising,prior to step (a) first engaging the applicator in liquid communicationwith the first reservoir, and prior to step (c) first engaging theapplicator in liquid communication with the second reservoir.